Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-04-18

self has had career of thrilling adven-
lures, and he began it when lie was
yet a boy as midshpman under his
cousin, David II. Porter. His first expert
nnce, think, was in the Mexican navy. After
Two years there he entered the navy Of the
United States and was engaged in the navy
during the Mexican war When the civil
war broke out he had risen to the rank of
commander, and he did such glorious service
during the war that he came out vice ad-
nlral. On the death of Farragut, seventeen
years ago, Porter became admiral of the
navy, and hos been at the head of our naval
forces ever since.
Admiral Porter lives on II street, within a
stones throw of the house of George Ban
.roft the historian, and within four blocks of
the White House. He is in the center OF
fashionable Washington, and all around are
the homes OF many distinguished men. His
house is one OF the largest and finest Of the
:apitaL 1t is an immense four story brick,
with brown stone trimmings. A wide front
loor in the center is reached by several stops,
tnl on each side of this bay windows run
from the floor to the roof. The front of the
house is covered with ivy and woodbine, and
1t its right there is a gate which
leads to the stables in the rear The in
terror is elegantly and luxuriously furnished
1t contains moinontoes and curios from every
part of the world, and rich ornaments, costly
clocks and vases, fine rugs and valuable
skins lie here and there Nearly every piece
of furniture and ornament has its history. A
mantel seat in the parlor made of gold
bronze and lapis laguli was imported for
Mrs. Lincoln, and valuable china vase near
hem was once the property of Mrs. Jefferson
Davis. 1t was given to Admiral Porter by
Attorney General Deveis, and Devens found
t i'll the white house of the Confederacy
after the de1unct government had fled. The
ceilings of the house are very high, and it il
one of the roomest houses in the city. 1t is
house with n history, and can remember
only few OF the noted men who have oc-
culied it. Richard Rush built it when Mon.
roe was president, and its ball room was
added when the British minister, Lord Lyons
was its occupant. Hamilton Fish once en-
tertained in it, and one time it was owned by
Gen. Phil Kearney Admiral Porter has
owned it now for more than eighteen years,
and his additions have made it moro beauti-
sul than ever. 1t is u most hosptable home,
aud though the admiral does not pretend to
tie lavish entertainment of Secretary Whit
..ty in the next block, his friends are always
wei, ONE.
1t is in this Louso also that he does his
'Nih' LILO NiiiNS 10 cii tic Sct'lu iioOI, Ct-
tered by an easy flight of stairs from the
parlor. 1t is a large room and characteristic
Of the man. Finished i'll black walnut and
with we'll lighted windows looking out upon
ii street, its walls are covered with pictures
and relics OF naval engagements and naval
heroes. The adlnirars great friends of the
past lool; down upon him rs he works, and
whichever way he may turn his eye is sure to
meet some memento of the greatest fights Of
our history. Over the mcntel there is large
model of Ericssons destroyer, which covers
the whole of the shelf and rises to the height
of foot at the back Above it there are
number of pictures and at its right in two
frames hang two autograph letters which the
admiral prizes very highly. One of these is
in the handwriting of Admiral Nelson and
the other is the last letter that Admiral Far
rdsut ever penncd. On the opposite side of
the room is "a black walnut frame and hung
against n red la aground there is a collection
of weapons of all kinds and shapes. Some of
them are hundreds and some are thousands OF
years old There are Chinese daggers and
Damascus blades, rudely made old revovers
and silver spurs with cruel teeth. A large
medallion head of Christ in plaster hangs
below the case of arms, and under il
written the words 'Ecce Homo
The furniture Of this room is plain but
comfortable. Two antique mahogany tables